Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), yet it remains underutilized. This project aims to increase the application of DBS for OCD. By promoting DBS in psychiatry, the project seeks to support more patients in their recovery. An interdisciplinary working group focused on DBS in psychiatry will collaborate with all involved parties and an implementation advisor to develop and execute an implementation strategy.
The overall goal is to enhance the quality of life for patients with treatment-resistant OCD. The key objectives include:
1. Considering DBS as a treatment option for all OCD patients who meet the guideline criteria, regardless of diversity factors.
2. Making treatment decisions collaboratively with patients, ensuring shared decision-making.
3. Applying DBS for suitable patients.
The project will be led by the Interdisciplinary Working Group on DBS in Psychiatry, which includes psychiatrists, neurosurgeons, psychologists, and nursing specialists. Together with network partners, including experts with lived experience and an implementation advisor from BeBright, the team will develop, optimize, and execute an implementation strategy. Existing initiatives will be reviewed and analyzed, and additional strategies will be created, tested, and applied.
The project group is highly multidisciplinary, involving experts in OCD, DBS, and various related fields. It builds on existing networks like the National Working Group on DBS in Psychiatry and the Dutch Psychiatric Association’s DBS Platform. Key partners include the ADF Foundation and the Parkinson’s Association.
Expected outcomes include a developed implementation strategy that increases DBS use for a more diverse group of OCD patients, improving their quality of life, functioning, and recovery. This will have positive societal impacts, be cost-effective, and reduce health disparities by focusing on diversity aspects.